Join us for an in-depth conversation with returning guest LaMonika Jones of DC Hunger Solutions, as we celebrate the victories in DC's battle against hunger with initiatives like Hear the Crunch and Give Snap a Raise. Explore the challenges facing the DC food and health system in the FY25 budget, and discover practical steps for residents and advocates to effect change. We'll then conclude with LaMonika shining a spotlight on influential black women in the field. Don't miss this enlightening...

During this exclusive episode of The Edible Activist Live Podcast event, we opened our studio doors to welcome guests into a vibrant, in-person dialogue celebrating HOMEGROWN – paying tribute to the black women growers, farmers, and food activists who shape our communities. We had the privilege of interviewing none other than Falani Spivey of Byrd's Nest Box, delving into her journey rooted in homegrown traditions and the pioneering women who have influenced her farming practices. From candid...

Join us for an inspiring journey with Nia, the driving force behind Beauty Blooms Farm. Together, let's explore the rich blend of family heritage, community empowerment, and eco-friendly farming practices that shape her story. From taking part in programs like the Montgomery Countryside Alliance’s LandLink to championing food accessibility through initiatives like the Farm-to-Food Bank program, Nia shares her experiences fueled by resilience and a passion for lifting up her community. We'll...

Join us for an enlightening discussion with Ashley Drakeford, the visionary behind Capital Market in Capital Heights, MD. With roots spanning six generations in Prince George's County, Ashley's profound commitment to community and social impact shines through her work. Discover how her family history shapes the mission of Capital Market, situated near the site where her ancestors were enslaved, and explore its sustainable approach to addressing food inequality. Ashley shares her daily...

Edible Activist launches its exciting 2024 season with a dope episode featuring Maryland native, Sean's Veggie Garden! Sean, a passionate grower and pepper master, is renowned as the ultimate watermelon connoisseur. Join us as hosts Melissa and Falani explore Sean's journey into the world of food cultivation, his deep affection for crabbing, and the sprinkling of nostalgic home-cooked memories. Tune in for a heartwarming and engaging conversation! Be sure to follow us on Instragam:...

Join us as we chat with Juliet "JuJu" Harris, a culinary expert and organic gardener. Inspired by her father's successful management of health conditions through diet and exercise, JuJu emphasizes the accessibility of preparing affordable, healthy meals, drawing on her experiences as a self-taught cook and recipient of food assistance benefits. Culinary education takes center stage in JuJu's work, recognized as a transformative tool for expanding food access and community health. Her...

Join us for this episode as we welcome LaMonika Jones as the new director at DC Hunger Solutions. LaMonika shares her journey combating hunger in Washington, D.C., stressing the importance of avoiding silos in food and advocating for a comprehensive system approach. Our conversation explores the intersection of agriculture in her ambitious agenda, shedding light on the essence of ending hunger. LaMonika passionately emphasizes collaboration, highlighting the significance of working with local...

Step into the world of "The People's Market" with us in this episode! Meet the visionary founder, Brandon Starkes, who is reshaping the game with a subscription-based food delivery service sourcing from local black farms and artisans in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Join us for a lively conversation that takes you to Brandon's roots in Prince George's County, where a deep love for agriculture was nurtured by the wisdom of his great grandmother. But we're not stopping there! We'll also dive...

Movements do not have an expiration date! The legacy that our ancestors built rests in the hands of our generation to continue the fight and address the food apartheid that still exists in urban and rural black communities today. In this episode of Cuzzin' Talk - we chat with social change agent and founder, Xavier Brown of Soilful City to unpack the politics behind large organizations that claim to "feed" communities and question why folks are still hungry! We also deep dive into how other...

In this episode, Tennessee native, Jarren Hill-Lockridge, also known as the "Woman from the Well '' shares her story and commitment to the Great Ward 8 in Southeast Washington, DC to prioritize health and wellness for the residents. As an advocate for her community, Jarren serves on the Ward 8 Health Council and also helped to build a green space project in Southeast centered around homegrown, local food and wellness. Tap in and listen to Jarren's journey that led her from the south to...

Communications professional, Brittany Bell Surratt was called back to her family's Mississippi farm in 2020 when a weather disaster almost put the farm at stake for loss. An ice storm swept through their small rural town that killed livestock and disrupted operations. The land was in jeopardy so Brittany knew she had to come home and help dad save the land that had been in the family for generations. She grew up in Mississippi and would spend weekends with her dad showing horses at what she...

We are celebrating Women's History month with another episode of Cuzzin' Talk featuring a special guest and the original cousin - Chrissy Sheffey of Charismatic Creations. In this episode we celebrate the accomplishments of one another as creative-preneurs and growing together to make an impact on people and communities. Tune in to hear the inspiration behind Chrissy's Earth Day Weekend events, the importance of connections, our shout outs to other amazing women in food and agriculture and...

Remember Jay-Z's line "nobody wins when the family feuds" in the acclaimed 4:44 album? Well, when family fights over land it can get downright ugly! The cuzzin's Melissa L. Jones and Falani Spivey of Byrd's Nest Box dive right on in and open up about their personal challenges in attempting to acquire land within the family. Falani points out that when we often discuss land loss, many refer to the discriminatory USDA practices, imminent domain, and other racist acts that have swindled black...

Melissa L. Jones of the Edible Activist Podcast and Founder, Falani Spivey of Byrd's Nest Box kick off a series of new episodes called Cuzzin' Talk. Both having come from large families who hail from the South, the two always call each other cuzzin' jokingly and swap family stories. Listeners can expect for us to talk about our family traditions, kitchen recipes that grandma and auntie handed down, our family lineage, travels to the South where we unearth so much rich history, and all the...

Alexes Haggins, the Owner of Flowers by Alexes, spent a significant part of her childhood working at her dad's floral business on Upshur Street in Northwest, Washington, DC. The Washingtonian remembers being planted at the shop, surrounded by an abundance of flowers, wishing she was playing outside with her friends instead in their Uptown neighborhood. However, this is where Alexes would learn how to clean flowers and witness her dad wear his entrepreneurs hat. Alexes' story is one filled...

Melissa sits down in an exclusive interview with Chris Riddick of Afro Beets - the first time Melissa is ever interviewed by a media platform (and a black one at that)! In this episode Chris taps into her origin story, unearths her Mississippi roots and childhood, talks challenges of being a creator, and all-things Edible Activist (her podcast) and health justice. Tune in! This episode was recorded live at The Line Hotel DC.

In this episode we talk with Shanice Fleming, founder of Queenz Cut Flower Farm based in Troy, NY to discuss her floral business. She details her ten-year experience working as a chef, talks about resources needed to scale her business, and educates us on the flower business. To watch the live episode, subscribe to Food Talks N Color on YouTube! Like, comment and share:)

In this episode we catch up with Ronnie Webb, Founder of The Green Scheme (@thegreenscheme), on his team's latest project: Corner Water! They are on a mission to provide premium natural alkaline water to communities who don’t have equitable access and help youth learn the core pillars to social entrepreneurship. To watch the live episode, subscribe to Food Talks N Color on YouTube! Like, comment and share:)

Foraging while black, wild energy and agroforestry? You will hear it all here as Prince George's County native and naturalist-at-heart, Ruth Tyson, details her foraging experience in this episode and how she began the journey. Ruth also educates listeners on agroforestry and the various types, in addition to sharing some of the research she has been conducting with farmers of color in hopes to expand more opportunities in this space. To watch the live episode, subscribe to Food Talks N...

Rey Vanderpool is a registered dietitian nutritionist and owner of Insight Nutrition where they use an Integrative and Functional Nutrition (IFN) approach to nutrition counseling and therapy. In this episode, Rey kicks off the show sharing their health story that led to a field of study in nutrition. We also talk about ancestral foods, healing through farming, and Rey drops a few edible acts for our listeners. Subscribe and tune in! To watch the live episode, subscribe to Food Talks N Color...

A dreamy garden in Detroit? Ask Marilyn who is the creator of Griffin Gardens - a three lot garden oasis that started as a blank slate and gift from her dad. In the last year, Marilyn has cultivated a beautiful green space filled with florals, pollinators, vegetables, and most importantly, community. In this amazing and fun episode, Marilyn talks about how she expanded her garden from one vacant lot with the help of key Detroit partners, along with some of the challenges she faced in...

Cities can transform how we improve our food system and Ribka Getachew, Director of the NY Good Food Purchasing Program (GFPP) Campaign, joined our show to share just how! Ribka is a long-time organizer and food justice advocate who has been leading this campaign in New York City that serves as a game-changer for the procurement process within local government. The activist talks us through the campaign and how it would address longstanding systemic issues while centering values that support...

Gardening & Beats founder, Kimani Anku, shares the origins of his gardening journey and how being in the green space saved his life, from health to mental challenges. The Webby Awards recipient is championing food activism work in his Prince George's County community and globally by working with families, individuals and youth to start their own garden so they can feel empowered to take control of their health and have access to healthy food. Tune in! To watch the live episode, subscribe...

In this episode, the People's Farmer, Gail Taylor of Three Part Harmony Farm shares details about their inaugural farmer trainee program in partnership with JustTransition Power Force. Barriers to farming for black people have existed for many decades and Three Part Harmony is taking action by offering an opportunity to learn farm production in Washington, DC with priority given to black applicants. This is only part of the solution! Tell a friend, farmer enthusiast, or someone you know...